The 3,000 hidden deaf-blind children

Concern has been raised at evidence of a significant under-identification of deaf-blind children in our schools.

Concern has been raised at evidence of a significant under-identification of deaf-blind children in our schools.

In a recent survey of 56 local authorities, just 549 deaf-blind children were identified, while the Pupil Level Annual School Census records a total of 935 deaf-blind children in England.

However, a report from deaf-blind charity Sense, says that there are an estimated 4,000 such children in England, meaning that as many as 3,000 are missing out on vital support.

The report, Supporting Success, is pushing for a new duty for education, health and care agencies to identify all deaf-blind children in their area. It states: “The duty would identify the needs of deaf-blind children, which will inform service planning, commissioning and the provision of early intervention and support at key stages of need.”

Sense wants deaf-blind children to be identified earlier and also included in the government’s pilots of SEN reforms.